The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

One of the hardest things to think about having to do is making the decision of what to do when a loved one has a terminal condition. Or perhaps you have been in the position of having made the decision in the past. You know the reality of how diffic...

In 2016, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reported one in six Montanan adults provided unpaid care or assistance to a friend or family member with a health problem or disability within the past 30 days. You may be a...

Food Nutrition Facts Label Reading food labels is essential to making healthy food choices. It is common to think we know what the nutritional content and ingredients are but when you take a look at the label, you may be shocked at what you...

Individuals who have diabetes are at higher risk for mouth health problems such as gingivitis (early stage of gum disease), periodontitis (serious gum disease), thrush (infection caused by fungus growing in the mouth), dry mouth (soreness, ulcers,...

Every day we are faced with making decisions. They range from minor to major decisions. Some people can make decisions quickly while other people need time and information to make a decision. I recently attended a training which included a simple...

April is National Stress Awareness Month With life’s demands, we all experience stress. Stress is how our body and brain responds to those demands. How each one of us deals with stress is different. Some people deal with stress effectively and/or...

RECYCLING BONANZA – E-waste collection is back! April 27, 2019, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Dedman Foundation Parking Lot, 1410 24th St, Fort Benton It is that time of year for the annual Recycling Bonanza. This year we will be able to collect electronic...

Been wondering what the chia seed craze is about? Who remembers the catchy tune – “cha, cha, cha, chia”? These are indeed the same seeds that grew into the green “fur” of the popular Chia Pets and other characters. Now, chia seeds have...

HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT WEIGHT AND OBESITY Weight is a sensitive subject for many, especially for children and teens. Concerns about body image and gaining weight are affecting kids at a very young age. Careful attention in deciding how to talk to...

While in the midst of tax season, it can be stressful finding the necessary records to get your taxes done. Have you sworn to yourself every year during this time you will keep better records for next year? But, it never really ends up the way you...

At the time I am writing this, the forecast for the next couple weeks has us nowhere near at or above freezing. With the cold we have already experienced and will continue to experience, it brings with it concerns of safety. Hypothermia and...

One of the traits I admire about people are those who can make other people laugh. Some of the most memorable times I recall have been with people who have made me laugh. With the many things we are responsible for and worry about on a daily basis,...

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas. This is why it is so dangerous. High concentrations can cause death within just a few minutes of breathing it while lower levels can make you sick. When appliances are properly...

We all know we should do more of this but we do not seem to do it. It is to drink more water. Although there are many people who do drink water as their beverage of choice, many of us others could definitely increase our water intake. But why? You...

It seems this time of year brings forth the anxiousness of re-evaluating our finances and looking to cut costs. For most families, food is one of the highest monthly expenses. How about making a “game plan” before going shopping? Having a...

With the new year upon us, resolutions may be on your mind. Have you found how easy they are to make but not as easy to keep? Those who make new year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to accomplish the changes than those who do not formally...

Do not let the fun and joy of friends and family gatherings be ruined by being sick from eating foods which were improperly cooked, cooled and/or held at improper temperatures. Here are reminders about preparing and keeping food safe: • Clean hands...

As we say goodbye to November and move into December, for some people, the thought of the holiday season brings heightened anxiety and pressure. For others, it is like floating on a cloud, they have anticipated it the whole year. For those who are...

Open a Montana Medical Savings Account before Dec. 31 and save about $242 on your 2018 Montana Income Taxes Have you had any medical expenses so far this this year that weren’t covered by your health insurance policy, a flexible spending account...

Meal Planning November 27, 2018 Big Sandy Library Stop by anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm and work on developing a personalized meal plan. Leave with a printed menu, recipes, grocery list and daily nutrient intake values to meet your dietary needs....

In keeping with National Diabetes Month in November, I wanted to share a free diabetes cooking and meal planning resource. It is called Diabetes Food Hub™ and is available at www.diabetesfoodhub.org. The American Diabetes Association just released...

One type of diabetes you may not see a lot about is gestational diabetes. With November being National Diabetes Month, this year the educational efforts are being focused on promoting health after gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is...

Do you feel bombarded by health information and not sure whether to believe it or not? It comes at us from all directions—written, electronic and verbally. But how do we know the good from the bad? Take into consideration the source—who wrote...

According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) article from October 2, 2018, influenza (flu) cases are showing up early this season in Montana. Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by different...

Does anyone recall being told as a kid eating too much sugar would rot your teeth? Or, perhaps you have caught yourself telling a child the same thing? Have you ever wondered if it was true and, if so, why? As we find out the older we get, many of...